Literally: 'Suspended
from above'...
The vertical centre of your body is an
imaginary line which falls from the crown of the skull
down through the body to emerge between
genitals and anus, down to the ground.
It terminates at the front of the heel and directly affects
balance.

The physical centre of your body is located below the navel, inside the body
where it bisects the vertical axis.
All movements in taijiquan must start from
the physical centre.
It is your centre of gravity.
In taijiquan, the centre of gravity is moved closer
to the ground in order to stabilise the body and make it
stronger.

The centre of balance
exists between your two feet.
It should always be beneath the torso.
If you over-extend, the centre of balance is
moved beyond the feet and you become
unstable.
The centre of balance moves relative to which leg is
primary at any given time.
If you are forward-weighted then it is nearer the lead leg, and if
rear-weighted it is near the rear leg.

The centreline is an imaginary line right down the front of
your body.
This is where your zip would be if you wore a jacket.
Along this line are many vulnerable points.
Your taijiquan structure is designed to protect
the centreline when moving.

When faced with one or more
opponents, it is essential to think in
terms of centre.
To strike you, the opponent must find your centre.
This is fundamental physics; a question of positioning and angles.
By moving your centre from where they are striking, you cannot easily be
hit.
The centres must be unified relative to the opponent.
By maintaining the vertical centre, moving
forwards and backwards, side-to-side, protecting the
centreline and originating all movement from the centre - you become an
evasive target.

Taking the centre

You must always attack your opponent's
centre.
De-stabilising this will prevent them from effectively countering.
Subtle pressure can take their balance.
Once off-balance, they become structurally weak.

The ability to move from the
centre becomes more sophisticated as a student
progresses within taijiquan.
Very subtle stepping and waist movement will allow
close quarters fighting to occur without any loss of
striking power.
The exercise known as 'pushing hands' can
train this ability if practiced softly.

It is said that
xingyiquan firms the centre, baguazhang
moves the centre, whilst taijiquan
empties the centre.What does 'emptying the centre' mean?An opponent should not be able to find or take your centre; it should
feel insubstantial to them.